New details emerge in shooting of Hattiesburg bank vice president

New details about the shooting of a Hattiesburg bank vice president emerged Friday in Forrest County Justice Court, including the identity of the passenger in her vehicle at the time of the incident.

At the hearing, James Smith, 42, who is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and his lawyer, Tanisha Gates, appeared before Judge Pat Causey. County Attorney Pam Castle described the charges brought against Smith.

Both Castle and Gates spoke with Nick Calico, an investigator with the Forrest County Sheriff's Department. Calico recounted the statements told to him by Smith, Mary Ann Barnes and Gary Hopkins. He said, according to Barnes and Hopkins, they were parked underneath the Glendale Bridge in a black Ford Expedition when Smith appeared at the passenger window asking for a light for a cigarette. They refused. Smith then reappeared at the driver's side and tapped on the window with a hand gun demanding money. Smith then allegedly shot Barnes twice, once in the left breast and once in the abdomen. Barnes then fled the scene. She called her husband who told her to drive to a safe location. Her husband then called 911 telling them Barnes had been shot at the intersection of Old Hwy 42 and Glendale Ave by a suspect in a red vehicle. She arrived at the law offices of state representative Percy Watson without Hopkins. Employees there called for help.

Smith's lawyer, Tanisha Gates, then described the incident from Smith's perspective. She said Smith claims to have been fishing underneath the Glendale Bridge when Hopkins approached him and the two engaged in conversation. Smith noted that Hopkins did not appear dressed for fishing. Smith claims Barnes later arrived in the Expedition and he continued to fish. Smith went on to claim he left the bridge in a red car. He did not mention witnessing the shooting.

Calico said investigators found a .380 hand gun near the scene a few blocks away along Chonec street. They also found three shell casings. Fingerprints could not be recovered from either the gun or the casings. Smith turned himself into Forrest County authorities two days after Barnes was shot. Smith's car was found at Chain Park.

Barnes originally stated to police the shooting took place at a gas station in the city limits of Hattiesburg, but police later revealed the results of their investigation showed it occurred under the Glendale Bridge which is located just outside the city limits. The case was then handed over to Forrest County authorities.

Judge Causey said he saw enough evidence for Smith to remain under bond until the case can be presented to the next grand jury session.

Barnes is vice president of Hattiesburg's Trustmark National Bank and office manager of the downtown offices. Hopkins is the husband of Hannah Hopkins, a televangelist who appears on local television. Both told authorities they were having a conversation under the bridge at the time of the shooting.

The Pine Belt Baptist Association, with the help of Recover, Rebuild, Restore Southeast Mississippi (R3SM), came together to bring in volunteers to work on one of the biggest home rebuilds since the 2017 tornado. (Photo source: WDAM)

source: wdam

The Pine Belt Baptist Association along with the help of Recover, Rebuild, Restore Southeast Mississippi (R3SM) has came together to bring in volunteers to work on one of the biggest home rebuilds since the 2017 tornado. "And we're so grateful to see people coming in and constructing houses for those that are in need," says Pastor Joseph Scott with East Jerusalem Baptist Church. James Eaton says his home was destroyed in the 2017 tornado. Since then, he says he's been livi...

The Pine Belt Baptist Association along with the help of Recover, Rebuild, Restore Southeast Mississippi (R3SM) has came together to bring in volunteers to work on one of the biggest home rebuilds since the 2017 tornado. "And we're so grateful to see people coming in and constructing houses for those that are in need," says Pastor Joseph Scott with East Jerusalem Baptist Church. James Eaton says his home was destroyed in the 2017 tornado. Since then, he says he's been livi...

Every spring, college football teams take to the practice fields to assess and answer questions arising after the previous season. This spring, the University of Southern Mississippi faces more questions than usual.

Every spring, college football teams take to the practice fields to assess and answer questions arising after the previous season. This spring, the University of Southern Mississippi faces more questions than usual.

University of Southern Mississippi right-hander Nick Sandlin dominated the University of Texas-San Antonio Saturday in a 12-2 Conference USA victory at Pete Taylor Park. Monday, the junior from Evans, Ga., was honored for that performance. Sandlin was named C-USA Pitcher of the Week after tying allowing three hits in seven shutout innings that included tying a career high with 14 strikeouts and walking only one.

University of Southern Mississippi right-hander Nick Sandlin dominated the University of Texas-San Antonio Saturday in a 12-2 Conference USA victory at Pete Taylor Park. Monday, the junior from Evans, Ga., was honored for that performance. Sandlin was named C-USA Pitcher of the Week after tying allowing three hits in seven shutout innings that included tying a career high with 14 strikeouts and walking only one.

Roger Satcher was confirmed earlier this month by the Jones County Board of Education as the new head football coach at South Jones High School. (Photo source: WDAM archive)

Five years ago, Roger Satcher got a phone call that took him out of the principal’s office and back to the football field. Now, Satcher will be running his own program on a full-time basis for the first time. The long-time high school coach and administrator was confirmed earlier this month by the Jones County Board of Education as the new head football coach at South Jones High School. Satcher, 54, who spent the past four football seasons as the Braves’ defensive coord...

Five years ago, Roger Satcher got a phone call that took him out of the principal’s office and back to the football field. Now, Satcher will be running his own program on a full-time basis for the first time. The long-time high school coach and administrator was confirmed earlier this month by the Jones County Board of Education as the new head football coach at South Jones High School. Satcher, 54, who spent the past four football seasons as the Braves’ defensive coord...

Presbyterian Christian School announced the retirement of head football coach Joey Hawkins Monday. (Photo source: WDAM)

Presbyterian Christian School announced the retirement of head football coach Joey Hawkins Monday. (Photo source: WDAM)

Presbyterian Christian School announced the retirement of head football coach Joey Hawkins Monday. Headmaster Dr. Allen Smithers posted the announcement to the PCS Bobcats Sports Twitter account. "Coach Hawkins has been talking to us over the last year or so about retirement," Smithers said in the statement. "He wanted to make sure that he had his programs in a good position when someone else took over." Hawkins' 37-year coaching career includes a 234-75 fo...More >>

Presbyterian Christian School announced the retirement of head football coach Joey Hawkins Monday. Headmaster Dr. Allen Smithers posted the announcement to the PCS Bobcats Sports Twitter account. "Coach Hawkins has been talking to us over the last year or so about retirement," Smithers said in the statement. "He wanted to make sure that he had his programs in a good position when someone else took over." Hawkins' 37-year coaching career includes a 234-75 fo...More >>